When we talk about workplace safety, most employers and business owners think that it is only a thing for big companies. Some will take it as a need in mining, construction, and manufacturing industries. The claims are, however, not valid. Every business needs to set a health and safety system for its workers. Failure to plan on having one in the industry can require a company’s closure by the authorities.
Developing a health and safety plan is, however, not a simple task. Such is the main reason why most businesses fail to implement the system. If you’re an employer and wondering how to create a health and safety system for a small or new business, then you can start by looking at the workplace safety resources on the ICW Group website. The resources provided here can help you to create, as well as maintain, a culture of safety and can be used alongside the five tips that I’ve listed below.
- Clear Warning on the Hazard Places
The first thing is to check through your work building and sees if there are any hazard points. If there are any, make efforts to ask for repairs from the landlord. If it’s a mining industry, a construction company, a manufacturing or processing business, use danger signs on areas that are hazardous for the employees. Make sure to use red flags for warnings, placed at strategic points.
- Clear Communication
Communication is one of the best measures that you can consider in your business. If there is a safety risk that employees must observe, make sure that you communicate. You can assemble them, and talk the issue out. You can also use notice papers or notice boards, but make sure that it attracts employees’ attention.
- Regular safety Check-off
At the workplace, it can be that potential risks will rise and remain unnoticed. That’s why you need to hire a professional to check this for you. Regular checks will help to identify small health and safety risks that could cost you dearly in the future. You can also consider a variety of inspection software available online to make your observations. Noticing these risks early enough helps to raise the alarm for repairs. It also helps to keep the staff alert.
- Educate the staff on health and safety
It’s always good that you educate your staff on how they can take care at the workplace and avoid injuries. Help them understand how to offer first aid services to their colleagues in case of an accident. It is also highly advisable to have a member of staff who knows first aid should an accident occur. Something similar to these mississauga first aid courses can help them understand exactly what to do should an injury occur. Such training could protect you from liability as it can show dedication to your employee’s health.
You can arrange seminars for both new and old workers for them to learn more about workplace hazards as well as proper workplace procedures. Sending them on level 3 H&S courses will also help improve safety awareness across the team. Training them on how to read the warning signs, their meaning, and how to work in areas with these signs is crucial to preventing accidents and committing to safety.
- Take Employer’s Liability Insurance
Employer’s liability insurance covers employees who have no close relationship with you. It’s a must-do thing for all employers, and so, it’s not optional to take the cover. In case of an accident, the cover will take care of the medication cost, saving your company a couple of dollars.
As an employee, observing employee’s safety is your obligation. The above are a few tips that you can put in place and should follow to help you build a health and safety system that suits your business. With an excellent system, you’ll see productivity in your business increase. Such will earn your business a competitive edge against your competitors.
